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MIG welder and welding machine operator: pay, outlook and how to start

Updated October 28, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$47,920median pay per year, or $23.04 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $36,860lowest 10% earn less
  2. $40,56025th percentile
  3. $47,920median
  4. $57,39075th percentile
  5. $66,540top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[2]

People who set up and run welding, soldering and brazing machines earned a median of $47,920 a year, a little under the $50,980 median for all US occupations[1][2]. BLS projects the number of these jobs to shrink by 8.9% by 2035[3].

Job growth, 2025–35
-8.9%[3]
Openings per year
2,500[5]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[6]

How much do MIG welders and welding machine operators make?

The BLS category is Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. MIG welder is one of the job titles workers in this group report[7]. BLS lists Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers as a separate, related occupation[8].

The median pay was $47,920 a year, or $23.04 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half of the workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The median for all US occupations was $50,980[2]. The mean (average) was $50,220 a year, or $24.15 an hour[9].

Percentile Annual Hourly
10th[4][10] $36,860 $17.72
25th[4][10] $40,560 $19.50
50th (median)[1] $47,920 $23.04
75th[4][10] $57,390 $27.59
90th[4][10] $66,540 $31.99

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $36,860 a year, and the top 10% earned more than $66,540[4]. A percentile is a boundary line. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[11].

About 31,600 people held these wage and salary jobs[12]. The figures leave out the self-employed, and they do not include nonproduction bonuses or what employers pay for benefits such as health insurance[13].

Pay by state and city

BLS published state medians for 44 states[14]. Arizona was listed first at $70,150, followed by Alaska ($62,700), Washington ($58,990), Illinois ($58,840) and Oregon ($58,650)[14]. Mississippi ($37,390) and Montana ($35,670) were at the bottom of the list[14].

The most jobs were in Michigan (3,150), Indiana (2,840), California (2,290), Ohio (2,190) and Tennessee (1,950)[15].

Among metro areas with at least 100 of these jobs, Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ had the highest median, $75,200[16]. Next came Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY at $61,700[16]. The third highest was the metro area of Saint Louis, MO-IL at $60,600[16]. Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI had the most jobs, 1,190, ahead of Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA with 830 and Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI with 730[17].

Show median pay in 44 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Arizona[14]$70,150280
Alaska$62,70050
Washington$58,99050
Illinois$58,840180
Oregon$58,650250
Wisconsin$57,6401,150
Minnesota$57,560670
Nebraska$57,280650
Missouri$56,210560
New Jersey$53,680510
South Dakota$52,520150
New York$52,080740
Iowa$51,7401,310
Texas$51,3101,750
Idaho$50,850100
Kentucky$50,7401,000
Massachusetts$50,480480
Rhode Island$50,040160
Colorado$49,860100
Virginia$49,160410
California$48,9402,290
Louisiana$48,740320
Maine$48,41060
Ohio$48,1902,190
Connecticut$47,900590
Nevada$47,870170
North Carolina$47,580820
Pennsylvania$47,5301,120
New Hampshire$47,500290
Tennessee$47,1801,950
Maryland$47,110430
Arkansas$46,880210
Kansas$46,710160
West Virginia$46,460120
South Carolina$46,260340
Georgia$45,850840
Indiana$43,9602,840
Michigan$42,5303,150
Florida$41,420740
Utah$40,600120
Oklahoma$40,400460
Alabama$40,0501,250
Mississippi$37,390480
Montana$35,670n/a

How to get into this work

The training details below come from a BLS profile that covers a wider group of metal and plastic machine workers, not only welding machine operators[18]. BLS lists the typical path for this occupation as follows[6]:

For the wider group, trainees usually start by watching and helping experienced workers[19]. Under supervision they may feed in materials, start and stop machines, or take off finished parts[19]. Later they take on harder tasks such as adjusting settings, changing tools and measuring finished parts[19]. Some operators eventually learn to set up machines[19].

The time needed depends on how complex the equipment is[20]. Some operators are trained on basic machine work in a few months, and others, such as CNC tool operators, may train for up to 1 year[20].

High school classes in computer programming, math and vocational technology may help[21]. Some community colleges and other schools offer courses and certificate programs in running metal and plastic machines[22]. Certification can show skill and help with advancement[23].

O*NET places the job in Job Zone 1-2, where the preparation needed ranges from very little to some[24].

What welding machine operators do

O*NET says these workers set up, run or tend welding, soldering and brazing machines or robots, and some also heat treat metal parts. The group includes laser cutter operators[25]. Common tasks include:

Other job titles workers report include spot welder, laser operator and braze operator[7].

Where they work and what the job is like

These facts come from the wider BLS profile[18]. In that group, fabricated metal product manufacturing was the largest employer, with 25% of workers[27]. Most workers are employed full time, and some work more than 40 hours a week[28]. Evening and weekend work is also common, since many factories run machines for long stretches[28].

The work involves powerful, fast machines that can be dangerous, so workers follow safety rules and usually wear protective gear such as safety glasses, earplugs and steel-toed boots[29]. BLS reports that injury and illness rates for this group are among the highest of any occupation[30]. The job calls for standing for long periods and repeating tasks, along with comfort around machines and computer-controlled equipment[31][32][33].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to fall 8.9% from 2025 to 2035, from about 32,900 jobs to 30,000[3]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5%[34]. These counts include self-employed workers, who were 4.4% of this group in 2025[3][35].

BLS names productivity change as a factor. Programmable machines, such as robots and computer-controlled equipment, are increasingly replacing less advanced machines[36].

Even so, BLS expects about 2,500 openings a year on average[5]. These include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 2.7% of workers leave the labor force and 6.2% move to a different occupation[37].

With experience, operators may move into setup or machine maintenance work, and some advance to supervisor roles[38][39].

Is it a good fit?

The entry requirement is a high school diploma and no prior experience, followed by moderate on-the-job training[6]. Pay is a little under the all-occupation median, with a range from $36,860 to $66,540 between the 10th and 90th percentiles[1][2][4]. The number of jobs is projected to fall, though openings still arise each year from turnover[3][5][37]. The wider BLS profile also notes a high injury rate[30]. Pay differs by state, so local figures are worth checking[14].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[8].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a MIG welder machine operator make an hour?
In the occupation where workers report MIG welder as a job title, the median was $23.04 an hour in May 2025[1][7]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $17.72 and the top 10% earned more than $31.99[10].
What education do you need to run welding machines?
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education, with moderate-term on-the-job training[6].
How long does training take?
BLS lists moderate-term on-the-job training for this occupation[6]. In the wider profile, some operators train for a few months and others for up to 1 year[18][20].
Is this job in demand?
BLS projects an 8.9% decline from 2025 to 2035, against 3.5% growth for all occupations[3][34]. About 2,500 openings a year are still expected from retirements and occupation changes[5].
What is the highest paying state for this work?
Arizona had the highest median, $70,150, followed by Alaska at $62,700[14].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in the US was $47,920 per year and $23.04 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is projected to decline 8.9% from 2025 to 2035, from about 32,900 to 30,000 jobs (a change of -2,900). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: 10th percentile $36,860, 25th percentile $40,560, 75th percentile $57,390, 90th percentile $66,540. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 2,500 openings for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  7. O*NET 51-4122.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Braze Operator, Certified Welder, Fabricator, Finishing Technician (Finishing Tech), Laser Operator, Machine Operator, Mig Welder, Spot Welder. O*NET OnLine
  8. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders was $50,220 per year and $24.15 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: 10th percentile $17.72, 25th percentile $19.50, 75th percentile $27.59, 90th percentile $31.99. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 31,600 people were employed as Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. Median annual wage for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders jobs: Michigan 3,150; Indiana 2,840; California 2,290; Ohio 2,190; Tennessee 1,950. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (areas with at least 100 jobs): Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ $75,200; Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY $61,700; St. Louis, MO-IL $60,600; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $60,180; New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $57,900; Fond du Lac, WI $57,640; Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $57,570; Omaha, NE-IA $55,450. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  17. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders jobs: Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 1,190 (median $44,060); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 830 (median $45,990); Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI 730 (median $41,760); Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN 720 (median $51,290); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 700 (median $54,500); Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN 550 (median $38,970). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  18. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Metal and Plastic Machine Workers" covers Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. O*NET 51-4122.00: Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET description of Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. O*NET OnLine
  26. O*NET task list for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. O*NET OnLine
  27. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of metal and plastic machine workers in 2025: Fabricated metal product manufacturing 25%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS Employment Projections: 4.4% of Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  36. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: Productivity change - share decreases as programmable machines, such as robotics and computer-controlled (CNC) machinery, increasingly replace less advanced machinery, increasing efficiency. BLS Employment Projections
  37. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: 2.7% of workers leave the labor force each year and 6.2% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  38. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  39. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.